FRANKFURT: England failed to guarantee their place in the knockout stages of Euro 2024 after Morten Hjulmand’s spectacular strike earned Denmark a 1-1 draw on Thursday.
A point was the least the Danes deserved as England again flattered to deceive in Frankfurt after an underwhelming 1-0 win over Serbia to open their tournament.
Harry Kane had given the Three Lions an early lead as England pounced on a Danish defensive error.
Hjulmand’s rocket from outside the box levelled before half-time and Denmark were left to rue missing late chances to secure a famous victory.
England remain on top of Group C, two points clear of Slovenia, who they face in Cologne on Tuesday, and Denmark.
Serbia’s late equalizer in a 1-1 draw with Slovenia earlier on Thursday also keeps their destiny in their own hands.
England boss Gareth Southgate said on Wednesday that he avoids media coverage during tournaments to escape negative stories.
But will be braced for more criticism after another flat display from one of the pre-tournament favorites.
Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel claimed on the eve of the game they would not be fueled by revenge for their Euro 2020 semifinal heartbreak to England three years ago.
However, the Danes were a different beast from the side that disappointed at the 2022 World Cup and in drawing against Slovenia to open their tournament in Germany.
Denmark had made the brighter start as both sides struggled to cope with a bobbly pitch in Frankfurt that cut up badly in just its second game of five at Euro 2024.
Yet, England capitalized on a howler from Hjulmand’s men to take the lead on 18 minutes.
Victor Kristiansen was caught unaware of Kyle Walker’s run down the right and his deflected low cross fell perfectly for Kane to roll in his 13th goal at major tournaments.
Failing to build on early 1-0 leads has been a consistent criticism of England under Southgate.
In the 2018 World Cup semifinal and final of Euro 2020, Croatia and Italy were able to wrestle away momentum from the Three Lions.
This time Denmark were not deterred by conceding, although it took a spectacular strike to bring them level.
Hjulmand was given far too much room by the England midfield to take aim but he took full advantage form long range with a blistering shot that clipped the inside of the post on its way in.
Southgate made no changes at the break, but the future of his experiment of playing Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold in a midfield role is in doubt after he was hooked for Conor Gallagher on 55 minutes.
Phil Foden’s form for England had been a source of much debate after he again failed to shine at international level against Serbia.
The Manchester City playmaker looked much more like the man that won Premier League player of the year awards this season and was inches away from restoring England’s lead with a low drive that came crashing back off the post.
Southgate’s caution has been criticized in the past, but he was bold with his changes in the search for a winner as Kane, Foden and Bukayo Saka were sacrificed for Eberechi Eze, Ollie Watkins and Jarrod Bowen.
Watkins nearly made an immediate impact as he was denied by Schmeichel after a brilliant through ball from Jude Bellingham.
Yet, it was Denmark who had the better chances to take all three points in the closing stages.
Andreas Christensen spooned over when unmarked from a corner before Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg curled inches wide.
Lacklustre England held by Denmark at Euro 2024
https://arab.news/cwhm4
Lacklustre England held by Denmark at Euro 2024
- Harry Kane had given the Three Lions an early lead as England pounced on a Danish defensive error
- Hjulmand’s rocket from outside the box levelled before half-time and Denmark were left to rue missing late chances to secure a famous victory
Saudi Arabia announces six additional sports clubs for privatization
- Six additional clubs are now available for privatization starting in August
- An additional eight clubs will all also be up for privatization at a later stage
RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Sport has launched the latest phase of the Sports Clubs Investment and Privatization Project to privatize 14 more clubs.
Initiated by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last June, the project, rolled out in collaboration with the National Privatization Center, aims to accelerate the sports industry in the Kingdom by inviting business sector involvement with clubs.
Six additional clubs are now available for privatization starting in August: Al-Zulfi, Al-Nahda, Al-Okhdood, Al-Ansar, Al-Orouba, and Al-Kholoud. The clubs have been selected based on their operational readiness, financial health, administrative capabilities and athletic facilities.
An additional eight clubs — Al-Shoalah, Hajar, Al-Najmah, Al-Riyadh, Al-Rawdhah, Jeddah, Al-Taraji and Al-Sahel — will all also be up for privatization at a later stage.
Following the successful privatization of Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad during the first phase, the project now advanced into phase two.
As part of the commitment to accelerate the transformation of the sports sector, the project seeks to enhance the administrative and financial governance of clubs, creating new opportunities for sports investment in the country to develop club infrastructure, among other things. This, in turn, will take fan experiences to new levels, the ministry’s statement said.
The Roshn Saudi League has shown significant commercial revenue growth from last season after the privatization of clubs, with a goal to potentially reach an annual total of 1.8 billion Saudi riyals ($479,819).
With more than 80 percent of the population following, watching or playing football, the league’s development is enhancing the sport and entertainment experience for a big fanbase. This progress is raising the bar for clubs in the league, encouraging them to invest in facilities and stadiums.
With the help of the ministry, Al-Fateh, Al-Ettifaq, Al-Taawoun, Al-Shabab and Al-Hilal all moved into their own home stadiums during the 2023-24 season.
The Sports Clubs Investment and Privatization Project operates through two primary tracks. The first involves granting permission for businesses and development organizations to invest in sports teams in return for ownership transfer. The second involves offering publicly owned sports clubs for privatization. Investors interested in participating in this project can visit the ministry’s website for application details and further information.
Copa America quarterfinals will have plenty of intrigue, even if Lionel Messi can’t participate
- The 15-time Copa America champion Albiceleste are still the undeniable favorites in the Americas’ biggest soccer tournament when quarterfinal play gets underway
- The other 15-time Copa champs — Uruguay — top the list of challengers capable of taking them down
LOS ANGELES: Lionel Messi’s leg injury was the only major obstacle that fell into Argentina’s path while it rolled through group play and into the Copa America quarterfinals.
Bigger challenges await the defending champions, and they’re hoping Messi will be there to lead the way in perhaps his final international tournament.
The 15-time Copa America champion Albiceleste are still the undeniable favorites in the Americas’ biggest soccer tournament when quarterfinal play gets underway, but the other 15-time Copa champs — Uruguay — top the list of challengers capable of taking them down.
With the host Americans and Mexico eliminated in group play, the spotlight shifts firmly to the South American powerhouses determined to raise the trophy.
(all times EDT)
ARGENTINA VS. ECUADOR IN HOUSTON (Thursday, 9 p.m., FOX)
It’s unclear whether Messi will play in the opening quarterfinal due to a leg injury that sidelined him in the team’s most recent match against Peru. Coach Lionel Scaloni said Messi’s availability will be a game-time decision.
“Depending on how he responds, we will decide,” Scaloni said Wednesday before training. “There are ramifications when Leo is not able to play. We’ll try to make sure that he can play. If not, we’ll try to find the best solution for the team. I will talk to him today. It’s only fair that he can take his time and be able to train as much as he can.”
Argentina have been sturdy even without a goal from Messi in the tournament, winning all three group stage matches by a combined 5-0.
Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez has four goals in a spectacular effort despite coming off the bench twice, while Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez got the other goal. If Scaloni decides to play both center forward together, it could be more than enough to make up for Messi — and a nightmare for underdog Ecuador, who earned their unexpected quarterfinal spot by holding Mexico scoreless last weekend.
VENEZUELA VS. CANADA IN ARLINGTON, TEXAS (Friday, 9 p.m., FS1)
This is a matchup of pleasant surprises. Venezuela have enjoyed an outstanding tournament so far, winning their three matches by a combined 6-1 with offensive leadership from Salomon Rondon and Eduard Bello.
Canada got out of Copa group play for the first time despite scoring just one total goal in three games before losing Inter Milan’s Tajon Buchanan to a broken leg in training Tuesday. Reaching the semifinals would be a massive achievement for either of these teams.
COLOMBIA VS. PANAMA IN GLENDALE, ARIZONA (Saturday, 6 p.m., FS1)
The quarters move west for a pair of games held in air-conditioned stadiums amid a continent-wide heat wave.
Colombia are now unbeaten in 26 consecutive matches after holding Brazil to a draw to win their group. Led by veteran star James Rodríguez, Los Cafeteros will be favored to eliminate Panama, who knocked off the hosts US team to advance from group play.
URUGUAY VS. BRAZIL IN LAS VEGAS (Saturday, 9 p.m., FS1)
Sin City will host easily the most tantalizing matchup of the round, featuring a faltering powerhouse against a team known for perennially punching above their weight.
No quarterfinal team looked as shaky as Brazil, who stumbled into the next round with a thoroughly unimpressive effort. Colombia and Costa Rica both held the Seleçao to draws, and fan discontent is roiling.
Even worse, Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior is suspended for the quarterfinal after accumulating two yellow cards. Yet Brazil are still laden with individual talent that’s barely touched the field in this tournament, so it’s far too early to write off the five-time World Cup winners.
Uruguay look just as good as advertised under brilliant coach Marcelo Bielsa, winning three times by a combined 9-1 in group play led by Liverpool striker Darwin Nuñez.
After beating Brazil and Argentina in recent World Cup qualifying matches, La Celeste probably would be the tournament favorites if not for Argentina’s similarly strong form — but Brazil have the pure talent to end those dreams in a hurry.
Atlético Madrid: No approach made to keeper Jan Oblak from Saudi Arabia: report
RIYADH: There has been no approach for Atlético Madrid first team keeper Jan Oblak from Saudi Arabia, the club told Arriyadiyah.
Transfer rumors indicated that the Slovenian shotstopper was interested in an offer from Al-Nassr.
But the Spanish club rubbished those claims telling Arab News’ sister publication that there had been no negotiations from Al-Nassr or the recruitment program in Saudi Arabia to sign the keeper.
Juan José García, Atlético Madrid spokesperson, told Arriyadiyah that the goalkeeper is very important to the club, and that there are currently no negotiations for his departure.
Oblak helped his country to qualify for the Round of 16 of the Euros, and saved an important penalty from the Al-Nassr and Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, leaving the footballing legend in tears. Portugal won the game on penalties and will face France in the quarterfinals.
Ronaldo vs. Mbappe: Clash of generations at Euro 2024 has just been given some extra spice
- Ronaldo heads into Friday’s game having failed to score in eight straight matches at major tournaments
- Mbappe scored a hat trick in the World Cup final and has been logging Ronaldo-esque scoring numbers in the first part of his career
HAMBURG: Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Kylian Mbappe.
A clash of soccer icons. A clash of generations.
They’ll go head to head when Portugal play France in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals on Friday, and this heavyweight meeting might have got just that little bit bigger.
“It is, without doubt, my last European Championship,” the 39-year-old Ronaldo said after his tearful, emotionally charged performance in Portugal’s penalty-shootout victory over Slovenia in the last 16.
That may have just confirmed what many were presuming anyway.
Still, there’s now a definitive specter of finality to Ronaldo’s long, headline-grabbing Euros adventure that could be brought to an end by Mbappe, the heir apparent to Ronaldo and Lionel Messi after their long-time dominance of the sport.
Mbappe grew up with pictures of Ronaldo on his bedroom wall.
A photo is inevitably doing the rounds on social media of what is apparently their first ever meeting, at Real Madrid’s training ground at Valdebebas in 2012 when a 13-year-old Mbappe stood beside Ronaldo after a visit to the Spanish club where his sporting hero was the star player.
In 2020, Mbappe posted on Twitter, now X, that Ronaldo was his “idol.”
And only a few months ago, Ronaldo reacted to Mbappe clinching a highly anticipated move to Madrid by writing on Instagram: “Excited to see you light up the Bernabeu.”
That Mbappe can now end Ronaldo’s European Championship career — who knows, it might even be his last ever major tournament — adds an intriguing subplot to a match that will be watched around the world.
“Let’s go, let’s go to war,” Ronaldo said of the match against France, whom he considers as the top contender at Euro 2024 along with Spain.
He said he was driven to tears against Slovenia not at the prospect of elimination but because his main motivation these days is “making people happy” and he had a penalty saved in extra time.
“I’m moved by all that football means — by the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm for seeing my supporters, my family, the affection people have for me.
“It’s not about leaving the world of football. What else is there for me to do or win?”
Ronaldo heads into Friday’s game having failed to score in eight straight matches at major tournaments — Portugal’s last four at the 2022 World Cup and its four games at Euro 2024 — and with growing concerns about whether he deserves what appears to be a guaranteed spot in the team under Roberto Martinez.
Things haven’t been straightforward for Mbappe, either, at Euro 2024.
He sustained a broken nose in France’s group opener against Austria and has since been wearing a vision-limiting protective facemask during games. Mbappe has scored one goal and that was from the penalty spot against Poland — it’s the only goal scored by a France player at these Euros.
“He will have to get used to it,” France coach Didier Deschamps said of Mbappé and his mask, “because, to protect (his nose), he will have to wear it for a few weeks — or even a few months.”
Few would have predicted the top scorer at the last World Cup (Mbappe) and the record scorer in men’s international soccer (Ronaldo) to have just one goal between them heading into the quarterfinals.
But no one will be surprised if they come alive in Hamburg, with the pressure on and the occasion so big.
Mbappe, remember, scored a hat trick in the World Cup final and has been logging Ronaldo-esque scoring numbers in the first part of his career. He’s already on 48 goals for France at the age of 25, and is also on 48 goals in the Champions League from 73 appearances.
He is chasing down Ronaldo’s scoring records at both international (130) and Champions League (140) level and will likely only succeed by showing the same undimmed passion and desire as the player he used to copy as a kid.
As their countries’ respective captains, they’ll shake hands and embrace before kickoff. You can bet they’ll do the same after the match.
By that time, one of them will be on his way home.
For Mbappe, there will surely be more European Championships down the road.
For Ronaldo, this could be the end of the road.
Confident Kroos says Germany-Spain clash ‘won’t be my last game’
- “I don’t think tomorrow will be my last game. I think we’ll see each other again — and I look forward to it,” Kroos said
- “If I didn’t see the chance of achieving it with the team, I wouldn’t have done it“
HERZOGENAURACH, Germany: Retiring Germany veteran Toni Kroos said he was confident Friday’s blockbuster Euro 2024 quarter-final against Spain would not be the last game of his career.
Kroos announced in May he would hang up his boots after the Euros on home soil, meaning this week’s match in Stuttgart could be his final game.
Real Madrid teammate Joselu said this week he wanted to “send Kroos into retirement” but the 34-year-old midfielder had his sights set on the July 14 Euros final in Berlin.
“We will still be in the tournament for a while,” Kroos told reporters on Wednesday at Germany’s base camp in the Bavarian village of Herzogenaurach.
“I don’t think tomorrow will be my last game. I think we’ll see each other again — and I look forward to it,” he added.
The 2014 World Cup winner stepped down from the national team in 2021 but agreed to return in March.
“The idea of returning was tied to the goal of winning the Euros,” Kroos said.
“If I didn’t see the chance of achieving it with the team, I wouldn’t have done it.”
Kroos said he “did not fear” life after football, saying “this day will come for every player.”
“Thank god I could make the decision myself, rather than anyone pushing me or making me feel that it might be better to do it earlier.
“I am aware that whatever comes along, or what hobbies I might try and take up, there will never be anything I am as good at as playing football.”
The six-time Champions League winner made his debut for Bayern Munich in 2007, the same year 16-year-old Spain winger Lamine Yamal was born.
“That doesn’t make me feel much younger,” Kroos said, calling Yamal “the best or at least the most dangerous player” for club side Barcelona this season.
